"Seoul's Great Transformation" Pledge Focused by Park Young-sun Emphasizes "Unification Opening Seoul's Future"
Kim Jin-ae, Who Gave Up Her Assembly Seat, Says "I Will Create a Miracle and Lead Seoul's Change"
[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Park Young-sun, the Democratic Party of Korea's candidate for Seoul mayor, and Kim Jin-ae, the Open Democratic Party's candidate, agreed on candidate unification on the 9th. The two candidates will hold two debates and finalize the unified candidate through the final public opinion poll announcement on the 17th.
On the 9th, the Democratic Party of Korea and the Open Democratic Party held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Hall in the afternoon to announce the agreement on unifying the Seoul mayoral candidates.
The two candidates will hold a total of two debates by the 15th, conduct public opinion polls for unification on the 16th and 17th, announce the results, and finalize the unified candidate.
Park Young-sun, the Democratic Party of Korea's Seoul mayoral candidate, and Kim Jin-ae, the Open Democratic Party's candidate, pose before holding a press conference to announce the unification plan at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 9th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@
On the day, candidate Park Young-sun said, "During the unification process with candidate Cho Jung-hoon of the Transition Korea party, we enriched the vision for Seoul," adding, "In this unification as well, I will warmly fuse 'Park Young-sun's Seoul' and 'Kim Jin-ae's Seoul' by leaning on and relying on each other." She continued, "I hope this unification will be a gift to each other," delivering a conciliatory message to candidate Kim and the Open Democratic Party members.
Regarding the opposition, she expressed her determination to differentiate through policies. Candidate Park emphasized, "The ruling and opposition parties will be divided depending on whether people choose a candidate who sincerely dedicates themselves to Seoul's future or a candidate who politically exploits Seoul," and added, "I hope this unification will open Seoul's future."
Candidate Kim Jin-ae also responded that through the 'fusion' of the Democratic Party of Korea and the Open Democratic Party, "we will show a unification process where everyone wins." Candidate Kim expressed expectations, saying, "The standing debates and free-topic debates during the unification process, where I will passionately discuss my capabilities, will, in particular, be an event that gives great courage to female juniors."
Unlike the relatively smooth unification process with candidate Cho Jung-hoon of Transition Korea, a fierce competition is expected.
Candidate Kim said, "I am well aware that my recognition is naturally low. However, there is an expectation that miracles happen through surprises in elections," and emphasized, "Although I have many shortcomings, I will create surprises and miracles to awaken new hope for change in Seoul."
Before coming to the unification negotiations, candidate Kim resigned from her parliamentary seat on the 2nd, making a last-ditch effort.
However, both candidates agreed that the policy vision for Seoul would be richer than ever during this unification process.
Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Jong-min, who attended the press conference, praised, "While the People Power Party is expected to take political steps after the election, the Democratic Party and the Open Democratic Party have a desperate determination to win through unification, and both candidates are among the most excellent policy experts in Korean politics with strong policy capabilities."
He explained that they will produce abundant policy messages regarding Seoul's future vision.
Kang Min-jung, floor leader of the Open Democratic Party, also said, "The Seoul mayoral candidate must win the hearts of Seoul citizens," adding, "It will be rich in policies."
The final result of the candidates' unification will be announced on the 17th by reflecting 50% of the public opinion poll among Seoul citizens and 50% of the party member vote results.
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